Kelly Degnan, the US Ambassador to Georgia, spoke with Evelyn Farkas, the Executive Director of the McCain Institute, at the 6th Tbilisi International Conference called "Slava Ukraini-Glory to Ukraine." Degnan underscored, "For 30 years, we have been doing everything we can to help the Georgian people in their attempt to construct a stable democracy, which is the United States' main priority in Georgia." She said that a large portion of what the US, the EU, and member states have been doing in Georgia has been to continue laying the groundwork for Georgia's future, regardless of how long it will take and what conditions will apply.
When traveling throughout the country, the Ambassador noted that while Georgia's allies must continue to support it in building its stability and democratic structures, what is really encouraging is to see the really inspiring things that Georgians are doing even where they are most vulnerable to disinformation and the realities of life, including poverty, unemployment, high crisis, poor education, and poor infrastructure.
In reference to the nation's hopes to join the European Union, Ambassador Kelly stated, "This is hard work and Georgia is not going to receive a shortcut, much like the Baltic States." "But we must stand behind Georgia and the Georgian people, as well as convey a message of hope about what is good in this nation," she added.
When questioned about Ukraine's publication of a new list calling for sanctions, the ambassador emphasised that while she was not involved in developing those sanctions or the justification for doing so, obviously, sanctions are a very important tool for the US. The list included several notable Georgian citizens, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, an ex-PM and founding member of the ruling party. "The US does not discuss our sanctions policy as we are developing it and does not announce it until we implement it, but they are certainly a very important tool. They can be a very effective tool if they are well implemented," Degnan added.
While discussing the security of the Black Sea and measures for Georgia to protect itself, the US Ambassador to Georgia said, "There needs to be a knowledge of not only the Black Sea but how the Black Sea joins up with Central Asia. I believe we are beginning to understand that Georgia can play a key role as we seek alternatives to the northern route and that chance needs to be used. Because when it becomes an important throughway for Central Asia, whether in terms of energy or products, that will be a component of Georgia's stability and security. Anything that might strengthen Georgia's bonds with its neighbors in Europe is really constructive and powerful."
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